Transfer case with low gear ratio

Abstract

A transfer case is provided utilizing dual planetary gearsets to provide a low gear ratio that can be engaged and disengaged on the fly without binding of gears. The transfer case provides an option for engaging the front, rear, both front and rear, or none of the wheels of a vehicle and is especially suited for off road vehicles such as rock crawlers.

Description

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 596,881, filed Oct. 27, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 596,895, filed Oct. 28, 2005, both herein incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to transfer cases and, more particularly, to a transfer case utilizing dual planetary gear sets to provide a low gear ratio that can be engaged and disengaged on the fly without binding of gears. The transfer case provides an option for engaging the front, rear, both front and rear, or none of the wheels of a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Off-road four wheeling, including hill and rock climbing, has long been popular with outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, rock climbing, now commonly referred to as rock crawling, has grown exponentially in popularity. Rock crawling is a now a competitive sport utilizing a vehicle, a driver, and a spotter. The vehicle is typically clas...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention provides a transfer case having a low gear ratio, the transfer case comprising: an input shaft providing power in the form of torque; a first output shaft and a second output shaft; a first planetary gearset having a sun gear, a carrier having a plurality of planetary gears, and a ring gear, wherein the sun gear is rotatably coupled to the input shaft and the carrier is coupled to the first output shaft; a second planetary gearset having a sun gear, a carrier having a plurality of planetary gears, and a ring gear, wherein the carrier is coupled to the second output shaft; an idle

Problems solved by technology

In seeking to increase the gear ratios, however, it has been found that the options for lower gear ratios at the transmission are limited by the available gearboxes themselves.

Likewise, many differentials are limited by the available ring and pinion gear sets.

Transfer cases utilizing chains or belts are typically not considered to be strong enough for rock climbing.

For shorter wheel base

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